While the tragedy at Grenfell last year offered us a sharp reminder of the devastating effect that fire can have, it also starkly highlighted the ambiguity within our whole system of fire regulation and surprised many with its lack of clarity.

This has been echoed in the Interim Report into the Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety calling it “not fit for purpose”. As we await the next phase of this independent review, many are expecting significant change to guidance supporting the building regulations. However, there is now real concern that the changes that Dame Judith Hackitt will recommend may well improve the system but leave the guidance itself untouched, we may just end up papering over the cracks.